Korean Broadcasting System Launches 4 Web Drama Series To Explore Online-Based Content Market
New web drama series were launched by the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) to further explore online-based content market, the company announced on Thursday.
The broadcasting company added that viewers will have the chance to watch the four new drama series "Flatterer," "Missing Korea," "9 Seconds" and "Love Detective Sherlock K" in advance through online streaming in October. In addition, the new series will also premier on KBS 2TV in November.
"We're conducting this experiment with several outsourced production companies since we haven't yet been able to find a viable business model for web dramas," says KBS producer Ko Chan Su, as noted by Yonhap News on the same day. "We ask for your support in our quest for developing web dramas that would hopefully thrive overseas as well."
Based on a web cartoon series bearing the same title, "Flatterer" revolves around the story of "a transfer student who refuses to submit to the culture of "survival of the baddest."" The main character, Park Geon, is played by actor Kwak Dong Yeon. Also, F.T. Island's Lee Jae Jin and Kpop singer and actress Bae Seul Ki will also star in the web drama series.
2NE1 member Sandara Park will play as a North Korean soldier who joins a beauty contest for the series "Missing Korea." Also, Kim Jeong Hoon of the male duo UN will share the screen with Sandara as he will play as one of the organizers of the beauty pageant.
"9 Seconds" revolves around the romantic relationship between a boy and girl who met after the two "discover a camera that freezes time at a studio." The characters will be played by Lee Ju Seung and Bestie's Haeryeong.
Actress Nam Bo Ra plays as a psychologist for "Love Detective Sherlock K." Her character will assist Minwoo (played by Park Min Woo) "better understand his crush and top star, Yuna, played by Bomi of Apink."
Meanwhile, Asia's first festival of online dramas was launched July this year. The first KWeb Fest was held in Seoul.
"We're happy to open Asia's first festival of Web series in South Korea," says KWeb chief of organizing committee Eun Seong Hee. "We hope this festival will serve as a chance to help good local contents advance in the world, so Web series can be the next runner after K-pop and K-dramas in the global boom of Korean culture."